Agreement between MHCC and OIT Gives Students More Options for College Degrees

There’s exciting news for students who have attended Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), then transferred to certain Oregon universities.

Students may now qualify for an associate degree from MHCC after transferring to Eastern Oregon University or Portland State University, under “reverse transfer” agreements between MHCC and those schools. A third agreement, with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), will be formalized at a signing ceremony and celebration Feb. 22, 3 – 5 p.m. at Flying Pie Pizza, 7804 S.E. Stark St, Portland, Ore., 97215. Debbie Derr, MHCC president, and Chris Maples, OIT president, will formalize the agreement between the two schools.

To qualify for an associate degree through a reverse transfer arrangement, students must be co-admitted at MHCC and one of the three universities and have earned at least 90 credits, with a minimum of 24 of those from MHCC. An estimated 30 OIT students may now be eligible for an associate degree through this program.

“This is a valuable program for students,” says John Hamblin, MHCC director of enrollment management, admissions, registration and records. Studies show that students at four-year schools who complete an associate degree at a community college tend to earn a bachelor’s degree at a higher rate than students who do not complete an associate degree at a community college.

One Success Leads to Another“It may have to do with momentum and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” Hamblin explains. “Once students have a diploma for an associate degree in hand, and they see the rewards of all their hard work, it gives them a boost to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.”

Hamblin adds that with the tough job market, reverse transfer can give an extra edge to recent graduates. Having both an associate and a bachelor’s degree on a resume reflects a broader, more accurate view of a graduate’s skills and training received over time.

For more information, media professionals may contact the Office of Community Engagement 503-491-7204 or news@mhcc.edu.